PUSD Board of Education Approves Amended Fiscal Stabilization Plan

The board room and an overflow room were packed with parents, students, and staff all waiting for a turn to make their public comment.  Emotions were running high as the speakers each made a case for their favorite program or staff person.  Unfortunately, PUSD still needed to approve the reductions.  But, when it came time for the Board of Education to act on the Fiscal Stabilization plan, an amendment was proposed that central office reductions, contracts and school site cuts be handled in one sweep motion.  This allowed the Board to discuss all three areas at the same time. 

The final motion, approved in a 4-3 vote, restored CTE programs, decreased cuts to athletics from 50% to 25%, and increased central office reductions to include Tiers 1,2, and 3 for the 2026-2027 school year.  That means more reductions in the central office than were in the original recommendations.  Central office departments including Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development; Special Ed; IT; Communications and more will be reduced.  Additionally, there will still be reductions in Community Assistants, MTSS coaches, custodians, centrally funded library coordinators, and special programs’ teachers unless additional funding is identified.

Looking ahead, we are advocating for PUSD Leadership to begin a process to re-imagine what our schools and district should look like.  As the school-aged population in our community continues to decline, we believe that the time is right for PUSD to bring our community together to create a school district that provides all students with all the opportunities they deserve.  It’s time for big dreams and bold decisions.  We will let you know as we get more information about next steps so that you can be part of the process.